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1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Cosworth

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£10,600

  • Mileage~169,000
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine2.5L
  • LocationBurnley

SOLD

1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Cosworth

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Introduction

Kevin Jacutan
Professional Consigner

A bulletproof, world-record-setting legend, the 190E ran flat-out for eight days in a high-speed bowl covering 50,000KM at an average speed of 154MPH.

In the 70s, Mercedes competed in rallying with the V8-powered R107 coupes. They had dreams of taking the 190E rallying in the 80's and asked British engineering company Cosworth to develop a worthy engine. The cars had to based on a road-going model and therefore they fitted a 190 with a Cosworth engine. The performance-focused 190E Cosworth set three world records at the Nardo test facility, reliability on the engines being a big selling point for the brand.

This example, a "2.5-16" as they're know, had a slightly altered body kit for reduced drag. The drag coefficient was 0.32, the lowest on any four-door saloon of the time. These cars also featured a quicker steering ratio, larger fuel tank, limited slip differential aka (ASD), lower and stiffer suspension, larger anti-roll bars, and hydraulic self-levelling suspension at the rear. This original example is coming out of 15 years of ownership.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Kevin after meeting Nicos the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

A car I've loved owning for the past 15 years, these super saloons are a lot of fun.

Nicos is the owner of this late Mercedes 190E Cosworth 2.5-16. He has loved his 15 years with the car, where he has clocked just shy of ~30,000 miles over his ownership, nice to see these cars put to use. He came across this 190E Cosworth in 2006, it was everything he wanted and more, with the brawny yet bulletproof 2.5L block, and those iconic boxy looks.

15 years have passed and he is unfortunately not getting as much use out of the car as he once was, and has decided to downsize in his retirement moving closer to his family where storing the car won't be possible, hence the reason for sale. In his ownership, Nicos has often maintained the car himself with regular oil/filter/spark plug services, and he's had some major work carried out by Mercedes-Benz main dealers when needed. He will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have in the comments below.

Nicos
Vehicle Owner

Nicos saved £1,800* when they
sold their Mercedes with us.

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Exterior

Form follows function with the 190E Cosworth, the new body kit made the car the most aerodynamic saloon of its time.

Wheels and Tyres

Rolling on the 190E Cosworth forged alloy wheels, this car certainly looks the part. The wheels are beginning to show a little age and would benefit from a deep detail or refurb.

The tyre of choice is Accelera Alpha which is a performance tire with a sporty look. The rubber looks good and appears to have enough tread. Please take a look at the tyres and wheels yourself in the media below.

Bodywork

The body kit on the 2.5-16 reduced the drag coefficient to 0.32, one of the lowest values on a four-door saloon of the time, whilst also reducing lift at speed. The 190E has that serious 80s boxy look to it which we love.

Its iconic shape never fails to turn heads wherever you travel in it. The body work appears in good condition, this is an example that has been well used and so likely had repair work completed over time as we didn't spot and corrosion around wheel arches, underneath the car etc. Nicos had both of the front wings replaced in his ownership.

Paint

From the factory, there was a choice of 4 colours and the original owner certainly made the right decision on this one, finished in a Blue-Black metallic, we couldn't think of a better choice of finish to match the black leather interior, a timeless choice.

The finish of the paint looks good, you'll notice some small stone chips along the leading edges and around the front of the car, in the main it's in great condition. The front wings had some paintwork completed when the new wings were fitted, visible as pictured. Please take a look at the exterior videos for a 360° detailed tour of the paintwork on this car.

Glass and Trim

The glass looks great, with no signs of cracks, chips or discolouration, the window rubbers also appear in good condition. The front grill looks to be showing its age with the blue colour coming through strong having faded over time. Please take a look at the photos and videos for a detailed tour of this very desirable 190E Cosworth.

Interior

A proper super saloon from a bygone era, an updated cabin for the 2.5-16 finished in a smart black leather trim.

Seats and Carpets

The seats look really good in this 190E considering the mileage completed on the car, clean throughout with very few signs of wear, the driver's bolsters show some marks but overall a lovely example.

The carpets and door cards tell a similar story, a luxuriously-cool styled '80s interior. Take a look through the extensive photos.

Dashboard

A highly original dashboard can be found within the 190E, it's in line with its age and mileage and has really been looked after over the years. The 2.5-16 featured an extra instrument cluster in the centre console as pictured.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The classic '80s Mercedes steering wheel is present, wrapped in black leather.

The steering wheel shows wear/ageing to the leather which could do with treatment. Overall an original example, with lots of character.

Mechanics

Fitted with the refined and bulletproof 2.5L 16v Cossie engine, it offered a whopping 197BHP.

Engine and Gearbox

This is the engine to go for, a later refined and enlarged 2.5L Cosworth block that would output 197BHP. Mercedes engines from this era are renowned for being bulletproof and setting multiple world records. One example ran straight for 8 days and nights covering 50,000KM at an average speed of 154MPH, outstanding.

Take a look at the mechanical video to see the car starting from cold. Nicos reports no known issues with the engine or gearbox, mentioning a smooth yet sporty ride offered every time. He hasn't been using the car like he used to, the last 7 years the car only travelling around ~2,000 miles. In 2013 Nicos had some major work completed on the car, the head was rebuilt by Mercedes-Benz as detailed in the invoices.

The car has been kept registered and MOTd, but it's probably due a good service and shakedown now.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension on 16v models is modified from the standard 190. As well as being lower and stiffer, it has new dampers, larger anti-roll bars, harder bushings, and hydraulic self-leveling suspension (SLS) on the rear which allows the rear ride height to remain constant even when the car is fully loaded.

Nicos informs us the car drives just as it should and stops on demand too. He had suspension work carried out in the past, including new shocks on the rear, and overhauled the brakes with new discs all round as detailed in the parts invoices.

The Drive

Nicos has loved driving this car so much, he's kept it for 15 years. More recently, the car has only been used for occasional trips out on fair weather days, the new owner will probably want to give this car a good shakedown.

Electrics and Other

Nicos reports all the electrics are working on the car to his knowledge. Any issues always tended to during his servicing regime.

He fitted a new alternator in 2019, and in the past updated the cooling system with a new expansion tank as well as a new heater matrix and water pump. The power arial for the radio is not operational as it needs to be wired in, something for the new owner to action.

History and Paperwork

A very famous Mercedes-Benz, boxy good looks, finished in a timeless triple black, the 2.5-16 is the one to have.

Owned by Nicos for the previous 15 years, he really enjoyed using this car on many sunny road trips. The cars engine is from a bulletproof era, and with the proper upkeep of the body, this 190E is a safe bet when it comes to choosing a reliable and practical classic. Please take a look at the photos of the paperwork section to see the money spent on parts, maintenance, and MOTs.

Nicos has maintained this example with a mix of regular home servicing, along with Mercedes-Benz main dealer work for the more major work. Items like exhaust work in 2011, and a complete head rebuild in 2013 were actioned by Mercedes-Benz. Other elements like the overhauls of the brakes and replacement wings were works carried out by himself along with the help of friends.

We have actioned our usual checks; Photo ID, V5C, HPi

Service History
Date Type Mileage
15.10.2020 MOT 168,978
18.10.2019 MOT 168,660
22.12.2016 MOT 168,198
30.05.2013 MOT 167,284
29.05.2012 MOT 165,360
01.06.2011 MOT 161,246
29.05.2010 MOT 156,839
27.05.2009 MOT 151,972
30.05.2008 MOT 147,066
12.05.2007 MOT 142,226
06.03.2006 MOT 142,150
Key Details
  • Model190E 2.5-16 Cosworth
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Reg. Date15.03.1989
  • CC2,497
  • Mileage~169,000
  • HistoryPresent
  • ColourBlack
  • Interior ColourBlack
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #WDB2010352F579739
  • Engine #10299022000320
  • MOTYes. Exp - 17.10.2021
  • MOT ExemptNo
  • Road Tax ExemptNo
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers5
  • Tyre BrandAccelera Alpha
  • Security SysStandard
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned15 years
  • Key FeatureLegendary Motor